A WEEK long celebration of kinship carers in Devon gets underway next week.

Taking place from Monday, October 7, until Sunday, October 13, Kinship Care Week is a time to recognise and celebrate the contributions made by kinship carers in Devon.

A kinship carer is someone who raises the child of a family member or friend.

This year, the theme of Kinship Care Week is #ThisIsKinshipCare, highlighting how important it is that people understand what kinship care is.

Anyone, at any time, could become a kinship carer, providing stability, love, and support to children and young people in need - it is often referred to as ‘family and friends care’ or ‘connected care’.

Arrangements can be formal, involving legal custody or guardianship, or informal, where the child lives with relatives, without legal intervention.

Kinship carers can be grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, or even family friends or neighbours who have a significant relationship with the child.

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Schools, said: ‘We want to thank kinship carers for everything they do to help the children of Devon. Kinship care enables children to stay within their family and friends’ network, building lasting relationships and connections with those that they love.

‘We are committed to creating the best outcomes for children in Devon, and kinship carers play a massive role in this.

‘They enable children to thrive by providing stable and loving homes, and we are incredibly grateful.’